Is there a Problem with Lunesta? Updated with Disclaimer.

Preface: After reading many new posts by consumers on this medication, many of which are dated this month, panic attacks and nightmares seem to be one of the worst side-effects of this medication – therefore I am re-posting this advisory on what I believe is an extremely dangerous medication, which new posts by concerned consumers appear to substantiate. It’s also notable that many many people taking Lunesta are now taking other medications to mitigate the nightmares and panic attacks Lunesta seems to create; is seeking a good nights sleep sleep worthwhile when it takes other prescriptions just to combat the adverse reactions to Lunesta? In this author’s opinion, any medication that is a gateway to others just to be able to tolerate Lunesta is without question, a step backwards and does nothing more than increase rather than decrease an individuals dependence on drugs. Beware, Lunesta can be dangerous and downright life-threatening to those who have other serious health concerns. LINK There are many more sites that demonstrate panic attacks and vivid nightmares are a common side-effect of this medication. The original date of this post was March, 2007.

At this point, as far as I’m concerned, the Jury’s still out on Lunesta! Since my Mom took one tablet in conjunction with several other medications – nothing has been the same. She suffered some sort of a heart attack during her ordeal in ICU or the Emergency Room – now her feet are swelling (something entirely new) and I suppose that tomorrow the Doctor will inform us as to the extent of damage that her heart suffered.

I’ve been looking all over the Internet and there are stories of terrible side-effects, some that mirror many of the symptoms my Mom had – albeit without the combination of other medications, which taken together, may have contributed to her demise.

There are message board everywhere, and some of them supply hints and show that her “panic attack” which was far, far worse than that – could have been brought-on by the Lunesta. Again, when you give a pill to someone, they say it is making them sick – and then awaken the next morning completely out-of-their mind, you have to question the Lunesta.

This is more of an advisory – a caution if you will, to seniors that are prescribed this drug. If you are currently taking Namenda and/or Aricept – I’d suggest staying with your old sleep-aid until much more research has been accomplished on this drug. If you read through many of the complaints – and the site I’m quoting is only one of many – it seems that in a few cases, Lunesta causes just the opposite of what it was intended to do, keep the patient awake, cause terrible nightmares and panic attacks – symptoms that no one would wish on their elderly parents – whose systems are much more sensitive to drug interactions than those of us who are healthier.

Be careful – and if your old sleeping aid works, you might want to stay with it a while longer. I have a hunch that America will be hearing more about Lunesta in the future – and if you value your health, or that of a loved one, as being cautious could prevent issues and problems that are far worse than loss of sleep.

Here’s another site, one that also states Lunesta has been known to cause infections and other symptoms that my Mother experienced!

Lunesta Side Effects

Although most people tolerate Lunesta well, it is still possible to develop certain side effects while taking this medication. Side effects that are most commonly reported include drowsiness, headache, and infections. Rare but possible side effects (occurring in less than 1 percent of patients) may include high blood pressure, sensitivity to the sun, and hiccups. When Lunesta side effects occur, they are typically minor, but be sure to seek medical attention immediately if you develop serious problems such as suicidal thoughts, anxiety, or hallucinations. (Emphasis added.) MORE

Disclaimer: As a courtesy to Sepracor, the manufacturers of Lunesta, who is looking into this matter – and to protect myself from liability, this disclaimer is provided to make it abundantly clear “why” we believe Lunesta could be harmful to the elderly – and to be specific (in a general sort of way. I’m not laying out the entire situation yet, as information is still being gathered.) as to what happened, what we know, and what is a matter of speculation and/or suspicion.

My Mother was prescribed a new sleeping aid, Lunesta, and on the first night she took it, at 10:00 PM, the problems began to occur soon after taking the drug. She first complained that it was odd, that it didn’t appear to be making her sleepy. (From my observations, as well as the rest of the family, it appeared to have the opposite effect – kept her awake until 3:30 AM, and seemed to agitate her.)

She complained continuously that it was “making her feel weird” – and a complaint of generally feeling bad “all over.” I stayed awake until she went to sleep, finally comfortable that she was “OK.”

The next morning, she awoke and was so utterly confused – she couldn’t seem to understand even simple directions or requests; when the Home Health Care Nurse arrived, she was shocked – and immediately asked if Mom had taken any new type of medication, and I stated yes, Lunesta. I was told not to give it to her again, and to keep a close eye on her – as the nurse was visibly concerned over such a dramatic change in her behavior and demeanor.

Her condition grew worse, until finally at 1:30 AM – we called an ambulance. By that time, she was hysterical, seemed to be delirious – barely knew who I was, never mind the EMT’s who were attempting to save her life. They had to restrain her and tie down her hands and arms on the stretcher/gurney – as she appeared to be fighting for her life – against “what” none of us will ever know…

When I visited her the next morning, she had just finished having her first convulsion, and then went on to have several more during that Saturday and was immediately moved to ICU. Her heart and respiration were sky-high, and I asked what was going on. I was told that she appeared to be in a non-stop panic attack, hyperventilating, and none of the physicians could seem to bring her out of it. The experience was so traumatic that she had the first heart attack of her life, and I don’t know if it happened in the Ambulance, ER, or in ICU. It appeared she was semi-comatose, although still responded to pain.

The actual chronological chain of events is in another post (link is above), and to save time, I will not repeat what has already been written.

On the day she was being released from the hospital, a neurologist prescribed Cymbalta – and when the nurse tried to get her to take the medication, she refused. The nurse asked me if I would please help to convince her to take the medication, which I did – and it took almost 20 minutes. As confused as she was, she remembered taking a pill that night and getting sick – and associated that incident with the new medication she was prescribed. I find it remarkable that after so long of an ordeal, she still remembered when she actually started to become ill – and was terrified to take a “new” medication.

I thought that was over, but today on her Doctor’s appointment, Cymbalta was again prescribed, and when I attempted to give it to her a few minutes ago – she refused, demanding to know all of the adverse effects – frightened that it would make her sick. This time I only tried for a short while, and gave-up when she told me to “take it myself if I was so sure it was safe” – she states she will talk to the nurse tomorrow and then the Doctor. I guess she wants to be assured it won’t make her sick – as she believed the Lunesta did; I have tried to assure her that the Doctor wouldn’t prescribe anything that would hurt her – but unfortunately, that argument doesn’t hold water anymore, and I believe she will need psychological counseling to get over this fear of medication. I am particularly worried about this, as her condition is apt to change, and I can easily foresee her Doctor prescribing other medications in the future – and I do trust her Doctor. We may have a difference of opinion on some matters, but overall, he’s an exceptional physician, and I plan on using him as my personal Doctor if he will take me on as a patient.

We have no conclusive evidence that Lunesta caused an infection – if indeed that was what was really wrong. At this point in time, no pathogen has been identified – and even the physicians’ still don’t know what was actually wrong with her – which is why I reject the assumption by any physician that “it couldn’t have been the Lunesta.” It seems illogical to me to state it wasn’t the Lunesta, while at the same time admitting that no one is really sure what made her sick.

This I do know, and I would feel comfortable arguing it in front of any jury or magistrate – and am confident that a jury of her peers would agree. The Lunesta did cause an effect that was opposite of what it was represented to do, she stated loud and clear it “was making her sick,” and subsequently became worse, had a heart attack, and almost lost her life. Now she has a heart condition on top of everything else, and without any input from me or other family members, remembers herself that it was the Lunesta that initially made her feel sick.

Was Lunesta the primary cause of her illness? I honestly don’t know, and will not makes claims I cannot support. I do know that she did experience an adverse drug reaction, as we witnessed it ourselves, and we have independent witnesses to collaborate that statement – plus her own recollection and testimony, although admittedly a little fuzzy – but she remembers enough that she’s terrified to this day to take anything new.

I believe in occasional coincidences – but when someone takes a medication, and soon thereafter becomes ill, complaining all the while it was making her feel weird – it’s more than obvious that something in the Lunesta didn’t agree with her, and while it may not have been the sole cause of her illness, based on the adverse effects I have found posted on other sites on the Internet – it certainly appears to have been a contributing factor to whatever it was that almost killed her, and has caused irreversible harm to her health, not to mention the financial burden on her and the family.

I do not believe that Lunesta would be a danger to people that are younger, but I definitely believe that if an individual has a compromised immune system, or is elderly and weak with other health problems, this medication should be avoided at all costs until further research and case studies confirm, beyond a reasonable doubt, that it is safe for the elderly and those with other health issues. If you look through the personal accounts of adverse reactions as I have, it’s evident that the elderly have suffered the most from adverse reactions – and for them, it could be a matter of life or death.

Note: If you have information in regard severe or “rare” cases of suspected Lunesta adverse drug reactions, possible reactions with other drugs, especially if they occurred in an elderly patient, someone with a compromised immune system – or a suspicion that Lunesta has caused panic attacks, convulsions, or a loved one developed an “unknown infection” or other mysterious ailment, heart attack, etc., while taking this medication, please contact me at [email protected]; since this is a relatively new drug, I sincerely believe it is important to gather any and all information in regard “severe” adverse reactions to this medication – whether you reply to me, the makers of Lunesta, or even your local authorities.

If you do contact me and wish to remain anonymous – please be assured that your identity will not be made public and will be treated with the strictest of confidence.

William Cormier

NOTE: The “mild” heart attack I spoke of turned into congestive heart failure;(Another week in the hospital.) Now, on top of all of the other health issues, she has to take heart medications and must be monitored for certain symptoms on a daily basis. As I stated earlier in this post – and which is becoming more obvious as each day passes, the elderly with other health issues are more than like to be at serious risk to an adverse drug reaction to this medication than those with healthy systems.

3-26-08 It’s noteworthy that I did speak with the manufacturers of Lunesta, and even though they were “looking into this situation”, we have never heard another word from them. Not an apology – even verbal; how many people have died because of this drug, and as the side effects seem to be consistent with my Mom’s experience – how many more have seriously compromised their health by simply seeking a good nights sleep? My gut feeling is they honestly don’t give a damn and we will wait to see if a class action suit is filed against Sepracor, which we will join in, or in the alternative, instigate ourselves when our own time-table for settling this matter has passed – which is rapidly approaching.

04-03-08 We don’t have a firm answer yet, however, my Mother’s case is being reviewed by a law firm that may be engaged in beginning a class action suit against Sepracor in regard individuals that have been harmed by Lunesta! We have noted countless searches seeking to find out if there is a suit against this new sleeping aid – so keep an eye on this page, and when we have a final answer, hopefully within a week, we will advise those who are seeking legal aid who have been seriously harmed by Lunesta where they can find the help they require to seek redress for their injuries. We are currently unaware what the “threshold” for serious injury is – and when we have those facts, count on us to relay the information to the many of you that appear to be seeking help.

William Cormier

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We have been writing and conducting research about earthquakes, volcanoes, and politics for ten (10) years and our site constantly displays information that you won't find on our corrupt, corporate controlled Mainstream News Media. We believe that fascism is quickly embedding itself in our society and strive to educate, energize, and advocate for peaceful change of a political system that is irrevocably broken.

I have noted during the past two months there have been thousands of people viewing this article on the danger of Lunesta. If there is a lawsuit against Sepracor that has recently been filed I am unaware of it and would certainly appreciate any comment that will explain this recent spike of traffic regarding Lunesta and Sepracor, the company that manufactures this drug that was ultimately responsible for my Mother’s untimely death. (IMO. However, there are facts which have emerged that place the burden of guilt on Sepracor and not the cancer that she had apparently recovered from. Please update me on any legal action against this company that listens to our complaints, knows their product has caused death and traumatic injury(s), but still remains silent believing that their profits will be far more than they will ultimately be forced to pay-out when their dangerous product is ruled unsafe by the FDA and taken off of the market.

Tessajean84

My dad started taking Lunesta a 7 day trial of Lunesta last Tuesday to help him with his sleeping issues. On Friday morning, he got up, took his morning medicine and drove to my uncle’s farm where he then died of a self inflicted gun shot wound to the head. The sergeant has been researching this drug for days and believes almost without a doubt that the drug altered his mind in such a way that he would do this to himself. My dad showed no signs of suicide… he lived a very happy life and had so many people that loved him. I am urging everyone to stay away from this drug. One little pill has caused so much heart ache and disaster and because of that, our lives will never be the same.

http://thepoliticalbandit.com/ William Cormier

My condolences in regard the untimely loss of your father… The loss of a loved one, especially under suspicious circumstances can leave one with a feeling of inadequacy and bitterness, not to mention that haunting belief that being cheated out of a loved one’s company should be just as illegal as any other type of murder/manslaughter investigation(s). Based on the constant stream of comments that describe similar events I have changed my mind and now believe that this company will soon face a barrage of legal actions and compensatory claims based on their prior knowledge that this was in fact a dangerous drug. It’s also my firm belief that further deaths associated with this “sleeping aid” should be viewed under appropriate local statutes and appropriate federal criminal law. We’ll see; as unfortunate as it may be, it often takes one of their own to pass away for the issue to be anything more than a minor stock annoyance.

Financial times are getting harder and harder in keeping a roof and necessities in place for my own immediate family, however even if I’m off line for any significant period of time, the site will be monitored by someone and if we hear of a legal action that looks promising we will be notifying any individuals whom have expressed interested in this cause. Like many drugs that bring in huge profits, it is often easier to pay-off the victims when claims reach a certain level rather than take a bad-drug off of the market. It’s all about the money…

Briangeorge50

i had been takeing lunesta to help me sleep, and didn’t have what i consider nightmares. i did have some very strange dreams, but started to experience a “hangover” for most of the morning. i was just feeling like crap all the time. i was prescribed effexor xr for the worsening depression. by this time i was “hooked” on the lunesta, and could not sleep without it. The depression kept getting worse. i was switched to cymbalta, which helped at first. within two months i was experienceing intense sweating, hallucinations, extreeme anxiety, hearing voices telling me to kill myself. my suicide attempt has resulted in my being disabled to the point that i’m now on social security. I have been trying to get over the sleep problems for the year since my suicide attempt. addiction to lunesta is worse than the original problem, but at $225.00 for 30 tablets is a huge money maker for the drug company. i beleive they have known the problems all along, but stand to reap huge profits due to the drugs potential for addiction. I took lunesta to get a good nights sleep. but instead have been unable to get into deep sleep ever since taking this drug.

Manuel

I had a serious problem with Lunesta to the point that I’m loosing my job as a Police Officer after having a reaccion to the medication I don’t want to get into details but I would like to know if there is any law Firm that is willing to help me with this problem.

Rebecca_ohair

Our daughter hung herself. This girl had everything going for her. 27 years old, 4 years in the Air National Guard, a Purdue graduate in Mechanical Engineering, loved her job, participant in organizations, just married, bought a new home, new car, she loved her African parrot, looking to have a baby, and as beautiful as they come, inside and out. There was no reason for her taking her life. We believe that this drug, Lunesta that was prescribed by a doctor caused her to think irrationally. A month before I spoke to her one night when she was thinking of taking her life and it was as if I was talking to a stranger. A call from her husband who was out of town brought her back to her senses. The next day she said she didn’t know why she went to such extremes wanting to hurt her self. Everything was normal for her that day, bubbly, called to ask the pet store to get her a mate for her parrot. Then late that night she went out into the garage and hung herself. This was not our daughter’s nature to want to end her life. She just got back from a week in Las Vegas and a week in Jamaica with her husband. We have searched for any clues and everything points to her taking Lunesta, hallucinating, creating something irrational enough to make her take her life.

Rebecca_ohair

Our daughter hung herself. This girl had everything going for her. 27 years old, 4 years in the Air National Guard, a Purdue graduate in Mechanical Engineering, loved her job, participant in organizations, just married, bought a new home, new car, she loved her African parrot, looking to have a baby, and as beautiful as they come, inside and out. There was no reason for her taking her life. We believe that this drug, Lunesta that was prescribed by a doctor caused her to think irrationally. A month before I spoke to her one night when she was thinking of taking her life and it was as if I was talking to a stranger. A call from her husband who was out of town brought her back to her senses. The next day she said she didn’t know why she went to such extremes wanting to hurt her self. Everything was normal for her that day, bubbly, called to ask the pet store to get her a mate for her parrot. Then late that night she went out into the garage and hung herself. This was not our daughter’s nature to want to end her life. She just got back from a week in Las Vegas and a week in Jamaica with her husband. We have searched for any clues and everything points to her taking Lunesta, hallucinating, creating something irrational enough to make her take her life.

tom

MR CORMIER, I have also had many side effects with this medication,I have commented on this blogroll under “LUNESTA IS POISON ” BY TOM, I would like more information on how you are dealing with getting legal services, you can E-mail me at [email protected]

Anonymous

Hi ,I commented on lunesta as POISON in my last comment,labeled tom ,if anyone would like to E-mail me at [email protected]. I would sure like to here from anyone that had negative effects from this medication,and for MR WILLIAM CURMIER and the loss of his mother ,I,AM VERY SORRY, this is why i,am opening up on my reverse effects of this medication,please help us to prove this medication is doing more damage than good for people,this company does not care about anyone except profit

tom

Let me tell you about lunesta, this is POISON do not take,I myself have taken this medication to.I had shoulder surgery due to a work injury and this is were the NIGHTMARE begins.I was given this medication to help sleep at night,Well everything was going ok except the panic attacks,never had any of those till , I started taking lunesta 3mg tablet before bed. It would wake me up in the middle of the night shortness of breath and thought i was having a heart attack,This only happened to me a couple of times ,I would be standing on our deck in the middle of the night in my underware trying to catch my breath, other times my son would get up for school and i would be sitting in the chair in the dark under the cealing fan at 6am trying not to freak out, But the big blow came 3/26/2008 when i put one of those tablets in my mouth and went to the fridge to get a bottle water to swallow the pill and there was none,so i ran down the hall to the pantry ,to find some water and still no water at this time the pill is starting to dislove,and i could feel my left side of my tongue going numb,I finaly found a bottle water and took a drink i could not swollow the pill because it was disolving so i decided to chew the rest ,what a mistake , also we do not drink tap water as it is not up to drinkable quality but i should have at that time,I went to make a bowl of cerial after a couple bites the cerial was running down my chest , I lost control on my left side of my face ,I totaly freaked out ,i went to bed woke up next morning ,whole left side of my face slide down eye didnt blink or water ,had to pry open mouth to brush teeth, showed my wife what happened said it looked like i had a stroke,went to ER ,docter said it was from lunesta and stop taking this medication ,said this pill is very strong,said this was caused by the way you took the medication chewing it,I called the makers of this sepacore,they told me they never did any test if anybody chewed it,and this is fda approved ,sent me a letter sorry for your injurys,called me and asked if i would send the rest of my lunesta back to them, THESE PEOPLE MUST THINK I AM A REAL DUMB ASS,NO WAY PEOPLE,so as of 5/25/2010 my face is still the same , waiting for the class action because these guys are so protected can,t touch them I tried

Loy

Here I am and it is going on 4 months. I keep thinking, hoping and praying that there will be a class action suit to start up against Sepracor/Lunesta on behalf of all of us who are so devistated by this horrific drug. My dear sweet husband is gone from this world, thanks to this profit making hypnotic killer drug, and physicians continue to hand it out with no regard to the lives that it shatters and destroys. There are so many in my own family who have voiced bad experiences with it for themselves and prople they know…to the point of loss of time in their days to suicide for no reason at all. What does it take to get people to rally and attorneys to take on this pharmacutical company. I have absolutely no doubt that my husband went to sleep in bed with me and woke up standing in the presence of Jesus Christ saying,”what happended, how did I get here?”. Heaven is the most wonderful place that we will all be one day, but my poor husband is in heaven, sad that he is not here with me. This is not the way it is suppose to be. Not for your Mom either. I am sorry for your loss, deeply.

http://intensedebate.com/people/wjcormier wjcormier

Since I originally posted this article on Lunesta, the vivid accounts of injury and death I have reeived are truly heartbreaking. My Mom's heart attack, which I am certain was caused by Lunesta, eventually led to her death – and from the comments I have received, has caused the untimely deaths of several other people.

To hell with liability and walking on eggs so I won't be sued by the makers of Lunesta. They are marketing a drug that has apparently resulted in several deaths and I am hoping that this drug is taken off the market and those who have lost loved one's are compensated for their pain and suffering. The Supreme Court, in their egregious ruling that gave Corporations the status of "people," should also allow manufacturers of dangerous drugs to be prosecuted and receive prison time for their callous disregard of side effects that can often be lethal. The "God of Profit" and their ability to hide behind their corporate veil contributes to marketing drugs that are known to cause severe and sometimes deadly side-effects. From what I have been reading, Lunesta is one of the worst so-called "sleeping aids" that are on the market, Sepracor has to know it's dangerous, but as long as they can't be personally prosecuted, it will stay on the market until liability claims outweigh its profitability.

That's the sad part of drugs which cause death and permanent injuries; they keep them on the market until liability claims surpass their profits. It's simply a matter of risk management, and if they have to pay out millions in liability claims, they will continue to do so as long as profit outweighs how much they have to pay in court settlements. Human life is inconsequential in the profit/loss equation, and to be honest, that is very unlikely to change in the foreseeable future.

http://intensedebate.com/people/wjcormier wjcormier

Since I originally posted this article on Lunesta, the vivid accounts of injury and death I have reeived are truly heartbreaking. My Mom's heart attack, which I am certain was caused by Lunesta, eventually led to her death – and from the comments I have received, has caused the untimely deaths of several other people.

To hell with liability and walking on eggs so I won't be sued by the makers of Lunesta. They are marketing a drug that has apparently resulted in several deaths and I am hoping that this drug is taken off the market and those who have lost loved one's are compensated for their pain and suffering. The Supreme Court, in their egregious ruling that gave Corporations the status of "people," should also allow manufacturers of dangerous drugs to be prosecuted and receive prison time for their callous disregard of side effects that can often be lethal. The "God of Profit" and their ability to hide behind their corporate veil contributes to marketing drugs that are known to cause severe and sometimes deadly side-effects. From what I have been reading, Lunesta is one of the worst so-called "sleeping aids" that are on the market, Sepracor has to know it's dangerous, but as long as they can't be personally prosecuted, it will stay on the market until liability claims outweigh its profitability.

That's the sad part of drugs which cause death and permanent injuries; they keep them on the market until liability claims surpass their profits. It's simply a matter of risk management, and if they have to pay out millions in liability claims, they will continue to do so as long as profit outweighs how much they have to pay in court settlements. Human life is inconsequential in the profit/loss equation, and to be honest, that is very unlikely to change in the foreseeable future.

Harvey's wife

They know what it can do, and does do. My husband was the most loving and caring man in the world and he knew he had to work another 12 years to retire. My life has ended as I knew it, and I don't know what I will do without him. It is not right that something so dangerous and evil is on the market and in the hands of careless, unprofessionals who call themselves doctors. My heartfelt sympathy and prayers go out to you…God help us all!

Harvey's wife

They know what it can do, and does do. My husband was the most loving and caring man in the world and he knew he had to work another 12 years to retire. My life has ended as I knew it, and I don't know what I will do without him. It is not right that something so dangerous and evil is on the market and in the hands of careless, unprofessionals who call themselves doctors. My heartfelt sympathy and prayers go out to you…God help us all!

Harvey's wife

I am sorry for your loss, I cannot even fathom the loss of a child. I am having to come to grips with the loss of my loving husband and soul mate of 38 years because of this horrible drug "Lunesta". He went to get something to help him sleep because he was very stressed about work like always…he is a Vice President of a Maintenance Company. On Sunday, a doctor on call phoned him in something for anxiety and on Wednesday, he went in to see his doctor because he still was not sleeping. His doctor gave him a handful of samples of Lunesta to take instead…these are stronger, he said. At midnight on Saturday, I heard him taking the Lunesta and he came back to hug up on me..,.I woke up at 3am and he was not in the bed…I dressed and went to see if he was walking on the driveway…I found him on the driveway. His face was covered with blood, and a gun laying on his left side. He had blown his brains out. This drug is a killer and the doctors who hand this out like it is an aspirin are careless and responsible.

I have been on Lunesta for one month. It is helping me to sleep once I fall asleep but I had to up my dose from 3mg. to 6mg. My concern is my upper abdomen is uncomfortable all the time. I wouldn't exactly describe it as pain but a horrible gnawing feeling like my stomach is eating itself. Has anyone had these symptoms? I fought my dr. for a year not to take this and finally gave in. What was I thinking!?

Nonna

I have been on Lunesta for one month. It is helping me to sleep once I fall asleep but I had to up my dose from 3mg. to 6mg. My concern is my upper abdomen is uncomfortable all the time. I wouldn't exactly describe it as pain but a horrible gnawing feeling like my stomach is eating itself. Has anyone had these symptoms? I fought my dr. for a year not to take this and finally gave in. What was I thinking!?

U.S. Soldier

Hi… My name is Cunningham, and this is my first night of lunesta. I am twenty years old and am in the U.S. Army so I am in great physical condition. I would like to hear more stories before I take this medication again because I'm deploying to Afghanistan in September and I don't want to hurt any of my battle buddies down range… I love those guys and would feel horrible if anything happened to them… so can someone send me a link please? [email protected] Thank You for your time.

U.S. Soldier

Hi… My name is Cunningham, and this is my first night of lunesta. I am twenty years old and am in the U.S. Army so I am in great physical condition. I would like to hear more stories before I take this medication again because I'm deploying to Afghanistan in September and I don't want to hurt any of my battle buddies down range… I love those guys and would feel horrible if anything happened to them… so can someone send me a link please? [email protected] Thank You for your time.

K10

I am sitting up in bed tonight looking for information on Lunesta and anxiety. I usually take 2 benadryl to sleep, but wanted something stronger tonight because I didn't sleep well the last two nights. My doc gave me a card with 2 Lunesta samples (3mg). I am leery of new meds, so I took half of one. About an hour later I was struck with the feeling of not being able to breathe. My heart started pounding and my pulse rose tothe 120's! My baseline pulse is low (58-64). I did have some Klonopin on hand that I used to use to sleep, so I took 1 mg. Still did not work. Pure hell. Hot baths, relaxing breathing, positive thoughts, taking control etc….. did not work. Tried to sleep and was shocked out of sleep by my pounding heart and then anxiety attack. What? I had 1mg Klonopin on board for over an hour!!!! I took another .5mg. Still having anxiety. Now it's almost 4am. The lunesta seems to be wearing off some now that it is the morning. I cannot believe what hell that drug just put me through. I didn't even take my BP for fear that it would be sky high. I could feel it. My usual BP is around 120/70. Avoid this med.!!!!! Years ago I took Ambien to sleep and it made me shop online excessively. Stuff would show up at my doorstep and I didn't even remember ordering it. I would rather be on Ambien than the DEVIL drug Lunesta. I hope everyone that has been affected by this medication eventually gets over the side effects.If there is a suit against the drug company, count me in!!! I will certainly pray for your mom.
Thanks for listening….
-K, I am a healthcare provider (midwife)

Howie

I feel so much better after reading these accounts. I'm 32 years old and have never experienced a panic attack until taking Lunesta. At the time I didn't know what was going on or what was causing it. I felt like I was going to literally die. Shortness of breath, increased heart rate, dizziness, a feeling like i was going to black out permanently. At the time I had no idea what a panic attack was. My initial reaction was top drive myself to the emergency room. Finally I just resigned myself to the fact that I was going to die. I'm glad I didn't.

K10

I am sitting up in bed tonight looking for information on Lunesta and anxiety. I usually take 2 benadryl to sleep, but wanted something stronger tonight because I didn't sleep well the last two nights. My doc gave me a card with 2 Lunesta samples (3mg). I am leery of new meds, so I took half of one. About an hour later I was struck with the feeling of not being able to breathe. My heart started pounding and my pulse rose tothe 120's! My baseline pulse is low (58-64). I did have some Klonopin on hand that I used to use to sleep, so I took 1 mg. Still did not work. Pure hell. Hot baths, relaxing breathing, positive thoughts, taking control etc….. did not work. Tried to sleep and was shocked out of sleep by my pounding heart and then anxiety attack. What? I had 1mg Klonopin on board for over an hour!!!! I took another .5mg. Still having anxiety. Now it's almost 4am. The lunesta seems to be wearing off some now that it is the morning. I cannot believe what hell that drug just put me through. I didn't even take my BP for fear that it would be sky high. I could feel it. My usual BP is around 120/70. Avoid this med.!!!!! Years ago I took Ambien to sleep and it made me shop online excessively. Stuff would show up at my doorstep and I didn't even remember ordering it. I would rather be on Ambien than the DEVIL drug Lunesta. I hope everyone that has been affected by this medication eventually gets over the side effects.If there is a suit against the drug company, count me in!!! I will certainly pray for your mom.
Thanks for listening….
-K, I am a healthcare provider (midwife)

Howie

I feel so much better after reading these accounts. I'm 32 years old and have never experienced a panic attack until taking Lunesta. At the time I didn't know what was going on or what was causing it. I felt like I was going to literally die. Shortness of breath, increased heart rate, dizziness, a feeling like i was going to black out permanently. At the time I had no idea what a panic attack was. My initial reaction was top drive myself to the emergency room. Finally I just resigned myself to the fact that I was going to die. I'm glad I didn't.

http://intensedebate.com/people/Ewa Ewa

This is me second time around with Lunesta and Ambien. Ambien, the second time took 1 night and no sleep but horrible depression, anxiety, and restlessness. I switched to Lunesta 1-2 mg at night. At first it was fine for about three weeks. Then one night, after taking 3 1 mg tablets, I had not a nightmare, but while asleep on my left side, my heart stopped and I dreamed that somebody was choking me. Did not still prescribe it to Lunesta. I NEED MY SLEEP and tried everything there is in advice. So I kept taking Lunesta and asked my pc to up it to 3mg. I need to sleep. If I cannot sleep,I don't want to live. That how stark it is.
For about two weeks now, taking 3mg of Lunesta, I noticed that instead being drowsy and sleepy, I get revved up and MY HEART STARTS TO POUND. It beats so hard, that it feels like it is going to escape. I remember about the choking dream, so I don't sleep on my left side. I now that 3mg is wrong whatever they did to it. BUT WHAT DO WE DO?

http://intensedebate.com/people/Ewa Ewa

This is me second time around with Lunesta and Ambien. Ambien, the second time took 1 night and no sleep but horrible depression, anxiety, and restlessness. I switched to Lunesta 1-2 mg at night. At first it was fine for about three weeks. Then one night, after taking 3 1 mg tablets, I had not a nightmare, but while asleep on my left side, my heart stopped and I dreamed that somebody was choking me. Did not still prescribe it to Lunesta. I NEED MY SLEEP and tried everything there is in advice. So I kept taking Lunesta and asked my pc to up it to 3mg. I need to sleep. If I cannot sleep,I don't want to live. That how stark it is.
For about two weeks now, taking 3mg of Lunesta, I noticed that instead being drowsy and sleepy, I get revved up and MY HEART STARTS TO POUND. It beats so hard, that it feels like it is going to escape. I remember about the choking dream, so I don't sleep on my left side. I now that 3mg is wrong whatever they did to it. BUT WHAT DO WE DO?

I was taking Lunesta and walked in my sleep, I fell and broke my wrist. I had to have surgery,where they put a plate in my wrist and attached it to the bone. I was in the worst pain I have every experienced. I had taken ambien before and walked in my sleep so the doctor changed it to Lunesta. I didn’t start walking in my sleep until I had been on them a few weeks.
So please warn people this is a possibility.
Thanks
Cynthia

Cynthia Casebolt

I was taking Lunesta and walked in my sleep, I fell and broke my wrist. I had to have surgery,where they put a plate in my wrist and attached it to the bone. I was in the worst pain I have every experienced. I had taken ambien before and walked in my sleep so the doctor changed it to Lunesta. I didn’t start walking in my sleep until I had been on them a few weeks.
So please warn people this is a possibility.
Thanks
Cynthia

http://www.myspace.com/mntnharleygirl Cat

Hi~ my experience was VERY similar to Lynn’s, but I will also share, because I am so adamant about getting this out there. I went on Lunesta about a year ago, when a stressful life event had made sleep difficult for me. Not long after, the anxiety began.After several months, the anxiety had gotten so bad that I went back to my doctor, seeking help for the anxiety. I want to note here that my primary doctor did prescribe me Paxil for the anxiety, but said NOTHING about Lunesta possibly being the cause, and actually refilled my prescription at that time. I think it also important to note, that in the beginning, I only took the medication a couple times a week. Ok, so I go home and start the Paxil, but the anxiety only gets worse. I also notice I am having horrible reflux and stomach problems I had never had before. Im now taking the Lunesta every night, because the anxiety is so bad, I just want to sleep to make it stop. A month later Im in the ICU with a heart rate of 177. Possible SVT, ok, so now.. Im on the Lunesta, the Paxil, A cardiac medication, and I have started to take OTC Prilosec for my stomach. Another month, and Im in the ER for a panic attack. Another call to my doctor, and another prescription for Vistaril, for breakthru, uncontrollable anxiety. Please understand, Im am a 39 year old healthy woman, on no medication initially, but the Lunesta for sleep. I am a Registered Nurse that takes good care of myself. I had always exercised 5-6 days a week, but had at this point stopped that too, because every time my heart rate would go up… you guessed it, another panic attack. I had never had anxiety like this before, and had always done a good job of coping with life stressors. Ok, so it was my husband who put 2 and 2 together. He pointed out the obvious, that all my health problems had begun when I started taking this medication. Also, like Lynn, the medication had gotten to the point that it would only keep me asleep for a couple of hours and I would wake up shaking and panicky. So , last week,I got online and found this site and many other. I went cold turkey off the Lunesta and suffered several days of what I would consider to be horrible withdrawal . I noticed a decrease in the anxiety though immediately. I literally was having 3 to 5 panic attacks daily, but after my first night without Lunesta I had none! I didn’t sleep for the first couple of days, felt like crawling out of my skin, was agitated, irritable, nauseated, but… much less anxious. Im only a week out, and Im happy to report, that I have had NO panic attacks since stopping the Lunesta. The anxiety is gone. I finally feel like myself again. I completely believe that all my problems were related to this drug, and would not recommend it for anyone! I hope that over the next several months I can come off all of the other medication as well. I have already began to reclaim my life, as this medication had pretty much taken it away. I felt hopeless and depressed because nothing I did, could control the anxiety. Thanks for taking the time to create this page, because it and others like it are why I decided to stop taking the Lunesta. I agree, I think we will see more about this medication in the future. I have an appointment with my doctor next week, and I will definitely be asking him to file and adverse reaction event form with the appropriate people. I hope others in our same situation will do the same. Thanks!

http://www.myspace.com/mntnharleygirl Cat

Hi~ my experience was VERY similar to Lynn’s, but I will also share, because I am so adamant about getting this out there. I went on Lunesta about a year ago, when a stressful life event had made sleep difficult for me. Not long after, the anxiety began.After several months, the anxiety had gotten so bad that I went back to my doctor, seeking help for the anxiety. I want to note here that my primary doctor did prescribe me Paxil for the anxiety, but said NOTHING about Lunesta possibly being the cause, and actually refilled my prescription at that time. I think it also important to note, that in the beginning, I only took the medication a couple times a week. Ok, so I go home and start the Paxil, but the anxiety only gets worse. I also notice I am having horrible reflux and stomach problems I had never had before. Im now taking the Lunesta every night, because the anxiety is so bad, I just want to sleep to make it stop. A month later Im in the ICU with a heart rate of 177. Possible SVT, ok, so now.. Im on the Lunesta, the Paxil, A cardiac medication, and I have started to take OTC Prilosec for my stomach. Another month, and Im in the ER for a panic attack. Another call to my doctor, and another prescription for Vistaril, for breakthru, uncontrollable anxiety. Please understand, Im am a 39 year old healthy woman, on no medication initially, but the Lunesta for sleep. I am a Registered Nurse that takes good care of myself. I had always exercised 5-6 days a week, but had at this point stopped that too, because every time my heart rate would go up… you guessed it, another panic attack. I had never had anxiety like this before, and had always done a good job of coping with life stressors. Ok, so it was my husband who put 2 and 2 together. He pointed out the obvious, that all my health problems had begun when I started taking this medication. Also, like Lynn, the medication had gotten to the point that it would only keep me asleep for a couple of hours and I would wake up shaking and panicky. So , last week,I got online and found this site and many other. I went cold turkey off the Lunesta and suffered several days of what I would consider to be horrible withdrawal . I noticed a decrease in the anxiety though immediately. I literally was having 3 to 5 panic attacks daily, but after my first night without Lunesta I had none! I didn’t sleep for the first couple of days, felt like crawling out of my skin, was agitated, irritable, nauseated, but… much less anxious. Im only a week out, and Im happy to report, that I have had NO panic attacks since stopping the Lunesta. The anxiety is gone. I finally feel like myself again. I completely believe that all my problems were related to this drug, and would not recommend it for anyone! I hope that over the next several months I can come off all of the other medication as well. I have already began to reclaim my life, as this medication had pretty much taken it away. I felt hopeless and depressed because nothing I did, could control the anxiety. Thanks for taking the time to create this page, because it and others like it are why I decided to stop taking the Lunesta. I agree, I think we will see more about this medication in the future. I have an appointment with my doctor next week, and I will definitely be asking him to file and adverse reaction event form with the appropriate people. I hope others in our same situation will do the same. Thanks!

http://n/a Dena

I took Lunesta (3MG I think) in the past and it worked well for me, even during the time I had anxiety issues. I had never seen a correlation to this in the past. I just took it again last night and it did make me stay up almost all night…until 3:30 AM and I took it around 8:30. I was full of energy and cleaned and organized for most tof he night and then felt like I could go running a few miles after that. I am usually a very tired person at night but cannot sleep without some sort of sleep aid…since I have been diagnosed with GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder) over the last few years. My last sleep aid I was using was OTC and I used it for 3-4 months which in turn my body got use to so it was not useflu anymore. I have also tried Ambien and this drug made me hallucinate and sleep walk (Did do some cleaning in my sleep). Not such a good drug either. I think I will stick with the OTC medicines for now.

Dena

I took Lunesta (3MG I think) in the past and it worked well for me, even during the time I had anxiety issues. I had never seen a correlation to this in the past. I just took it again last night and it did make me stay up almost all night…until 3:30 AM and I took it around 8:30. I was full of energy and cleaned and organized for most tof he night and then felt like I could go running a few miles after that. I am usually a very tired person at night but cannot sleep without some sort of sleep aid…since I have been diagnosed with GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder) over the last few years. My last sleep aid I was using was OTC and I used it for 3-4 months which in turn my body got use to so it was not useflu anymore. I have also tried Ambien and this drug made me hallucinate and sleep walk (Did do some cleaning in my sleep). Not such a good drug either. I think I will stick with the OTC medicines for now.

Sheila

My doctor gave me some sample of Lunesta back in March. I have chronic insomnia so I was willing to try anything. She gave me a prescrition and I got it filled in May. I went in to see her for an upper respertory infection in early June. My blood pressure was 140/90. It has NEVER been that high. The norm for me is 120/75. I take Allegra and Nasonex for allergies. Those are the only meds I take other than Lunesta. The BP has been constantly elevated. Changes in diet haven’t done much so I will probably make another trip to the doctor and question her about this. I do not want to take BP meds, so if it is the Lunesta I will stop taking it and see if she will prescribe someting else. I do sleep when I take Lunesta (although not even close to 8 hours) and noticed that I don’t sleep when I don’t take it.

Sheila

My doctor gave me some sample of Lunesta back in March. I have chronic insomnia so I was willing to try anything. She gave me a prescrition and I got it filled in May. I went in to see her for an upper respertory infection in early June. My blood pressure was 140/90. It has NEVER been that high. The norm for me is 120/75. I take Allegra and Nasonex for allergies. Those are the only meds I take other than Lunesta. The BP has been constantly elevated. Changes in diet haven’t done much so I will probably make another trip to the doctor and question her about this. I do not want to take BP meds, so if it is the Lunesta I will stop taking it and see if she will prescribe someting else. I do sleep when I take Lunesta (although not even close to 8 hours) and noticed that I don’t sleep when I don’t take it.

Perry

I came across your website because I have a terrible sort throat after taking a lot of Lunesta over the past few days and was trying to find out more about it. I know my sore throat is due to the Lunesta. Because I have no other symptoms that a sort throat, I’m going to try not to worry about it, but I have to say, this is unnerving.

Perry

I came across your website because I have a terrible sort throat after taking a lot of Lunesta over the past few days and was trying to find out more about it. I know my sore throat is due to the Lunesta. Because I have no other symptoms that a sort throat, I’m going to try not to worry about it, but I have to say, this is unnerving.

Lynn Kitts

I took 3mg Lunesta for about 5 months. It was prescribed by my Dr. along with blood preasure medicine, Lotril 10/5. The first month it worked very well. I slept better than I had in a long time. After 30 days I had an anxiety attack and I had never had one before. I didn’t connect it with the Lunesta at the time. As time went on I would sleep for shorther and shorter periods of time. After about 60 days I began having heart palpatations and more frequent anxiety attacks. Due to high anxiety level I began having symptoms of IBS and digestive problems causing me to loose about 30 lbs. Still had not connected it to the Lunesta. I went to a GI Dr. and he decided to do a colonoscopy. He was conserned that it took more than twice the amount of sedative than he expected for the proceedure. Normally the patient will remember nothing about the proceedure and for several hours afterwards. I remembered almost everything! I discussed this with my family Dr. and he felt I should start taking an anti depressant, Xoloft. This helped the anxiety a little bit but IBS only got worse and I was only getting about 3 hrs of sleep per night and the only time I would sleep is right after taking Lunesta. It had been months since I had been able to take a nap. I felt like I was going to die in the mornings. I stopped taking Xoloft after a few weeks. Finally, after reading of Lunesta causing anxiey problems on the web, I stopped taking it. Within 30 days IBS symptoms were pretty much gone. After about 60 days anxiety problems were gone. I have been off the Lunesta for a little over a year now. I am now in good health and have not had any anxiety problems. I am still on Lotril 5/10 for blood pressure. I am completely convinced that Lunesta was the root cause for my problems. I am afraid that since it is such a popular money making drug being prescribed by thousands of doctors it will be difficult for the true facts about the potential side effects to get much attention.

Lynn Kitts

I took 3mg Lunesta for about 5 months. It was prescribed by my Dr. along with blood preasure medicine, Lotril 10/5. The first month it worked very well. I slept better than I had in a long time. After 30 days I had an anxiety attack and I had never had one before. I didn’t connect it with the Lunesta at the time. As time went on I would sleep for shorther and shorter periods of time. After about 60 days I began having heart palpatations and more frequent anxiety attacks. Due to high anxiety level I began having symptoms of IBS and digestive problems causing me to loose about 30 lbs. Still had not connected it to the Lunesta. I went to a GI Dr. and he decided to do a colonoscopy. He was conserned that it took more than twice the amount of sedative than he expected for the proceedure. Normally the patient will remember nothing about the proceedure and for several hours afterwards. I remembered almost everything! I discussed this with my family Dr. and he felt I should start taking an anti depressant, Xoloft. This helped the anxiety a little bit but IBS only got worse and I was only getting about 3 hrs of sleep per night and the only time I would sleep is right after taking Lunesta. It had been months since I had been able to take a nap. I felt like I was going to die in the mornings. I stopped taking Xoloft after a few weeks. Finally, after reading of Lunesta causing anxiey problems on the web, I stopped taking it. Within 30 days IBS symptoms were pretty much gone. After about 60 days anxiety problems were gone. I have been off the Lunesta for a little over a year now. I am now in good health and have not had any anxiety problems. I am still on Lotril 5/10 for blood pressure. I am completely convinced that Lunesta was the root cause for my problems. I am afraid that since it is such a popular money making drug being prescribed by thousands of doctors it will be difficult for the true facts about the potential side effects to get much attention.

Robin

Our dear friend has been seeing things and thinks people are following him. He began to take Lunesta after a horrible accident where as a pedestrian he was struck by a motorcycle. He started to take Lunesta in December and yesterday they took him for a 50/51 72 hour lock down to a mental facility. He is half the man he once was and can barely function. DON’T TAKE THIS DRUG.

Robin

Our dear friend has been seeing things and thinks people are following him. He began to take Lunesta after a horrible accident where as a pedestrian he was struck by a motorcycle. He started to take Lunesta in December and yesterday they took him for a 50/51 72 hour lock down to a mental facility. He is half the man he once was and can barely function. DON’T TAKE THIS DRUG.

http://justanothercoverup.com William Cormier

Links on the Blogroll of this site are chosen because of their value to the readership. There is no “cost” – and I don’t trade links with other sites. This is a political site and is for the benefit of the readership.

You submitted this comment several times, but never included an email address. Thank you for your inquiry.

JAC

http://justanothercoverup.com/ William Cormier

Links on the Blogroll of this site are chosen because of their value to the readership. There is no “cost” – and I don’t trade links with other sites. This is a political site and is for the benefit of the readership.

You submitted this comment several times, but never included an email address. Thank you for your inquiry.

JAC

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rik

my brother died, he had taken 9 lunesta in conjunction with a small amount of alcohol. this drug is lethal.

rik

my brother died, he had taken 9 lunesta in conjunction with a small amount of alcohol. this drug is lethal.

Harvey's wife

I am sorry for your loss, I cannot even fathom the loss of a child. I am having to come to grips with the loss of my loving husband and soul mate of 38 years because of this horrible drug "Lunesta". He went to get something to help him sleep because he was very stressed about work like always…he is a Vice President of a Maintenance Company. On Sunday, a doctor on call phoned him in something for anxiety and on Wednesday, he went in to see his doctor because he still was not sleeping. His doctor gave him a handful of samples of Lunesta to take instead…these are stronger, he said. At midnight on Saturday, I heard him taking the Lunesta and he came back to hug up on me..,.I woke up at 3am and he was not in the bed…I dressed and went to see if he was walking on the driveway…I found him on the driveway. His face was covered with blood, and a gun laying on his left side. He had blown his brains out. This drug is a killer and the doctors who hand this out like it is an aspirin are careless and responsible.